Author's Note: Sorry about the delay. Got home late, had a thousand things to do, and now I can't sleep! So here you go-I hope it makes sense. I use a few new terms in this update; one is bellus-I will explain what that means in the next few chapters.
Again, thanks for reading and let me know what you think. I certainly appreciate any encouragement! Keeping up with this along with real life has been a bit crazy lately, but it helps when I hear from you guys.
TLH
Tony woke to the sound of hushed voices. It didn't take him long to figure out that Ducky and Abby were somewhere nearby whispering; the Scottish burr and animated alto were dead giveaways. Opening his eyes, he tried to determine what was going on-after a few minutes of disorientation, he realized he was laying on one of Ducky's autopsy tables. Bits and pieces of memory floated through his mind; Gibbs dragging him to autopsy, Ducky talking about something he couldn't quite recall, being overcome with inexplicable fatigue. Strangely, though, he wasn't tired now. He sat up and stretched his body, feeling the kinks loosen from his joints. He was more rested than he had been in years-it was an incredible feeling.
Abby and Ducky stopped talking and looked at him. The pretty Goth hopped up and ran across the room. "Good afternoon, Sleeping Beauty! How do you feel?" She gave him a smothering hug.
His smile was bright and genuine as they pulled apart. "I'm awesome, Abs. Honestly, I don't know when I've felt better." He turned his grin toward Ducky. "What did you do to me, Duck? You got some magic potion you've been holding out on us?"
"Of course not, my boy. No magic here, just some good sleep. I'm glad to see you're recovered; you gave us all a bit of a worry."
Tony rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "I still don't know exactly why I crashed like that. You think I have low blood sugar or something? It didn't have anything to do with this scratch, did it?" He let his hand ghost over the bandaged wrist. He had a nagging sensation there was something more he should remember, somehow related to this injury, but he couldn't quite get his brain to access it. He frowned and concentrated, but the fuzzy images continued to dance just outside his reach.
A significant glance passed between the ME and the scientist. Abby watched Ducky closely to see his response to Tony's question.
"I can't identify the cause with my limited tools, Anthony. Remember, my equipment is more appropriate for the dead than the living. If your condition persists, I'll see you get a more thorough work-up. For now, let's just be happy you're feeling well." Abby added a slightly nervous but reassuring smile to the doctor's statement.
Tony jumped off the table and straightened his suit, checking his distorted reflection in the metallic surface of a storage unit, trying to push his sleep mussed hair into a semblance of its previous style. "Not your usual response, Ducky, but I'm not in a mood to argue myself into a trip to the hospital." The door to autopsy pushed open and McGee popped his head around.
"Hey, have you guys seen Gibbs? I can't find him anywhere and dispatch just called in with a dead marine."
Tony narrowed his eyes at Abby and Ducky. "Where's Gibbs?"
Abby studied her feet and stared at her fingernails, avoiding any eye contact with the senior field agent.
Ducky puttered over some equipment, placing the instruments back into their appropriate places. "Something came up about our current case and he decided to run out and check on a few details that might be of interest. He should be back by this evening or early tomorrow."
McGee stepped the rest of the way into the room looking puzzled; Tony's face grew lined with suspicion. "He went without back-up? Did he say where he was going?"
"No, Anthony, he did not say where he was going, but he did assure me it was nothing dangerous and we should not be concerned. Now, I think we should trust he knows what he's doing and not question his actions. Do you agree?" Ducky folded his arms and stared at Tony sternly.
Tony didn't agree, but for some reason instead of interrogating Ducky further, he felt compelled to let the matter go.
"I'll call him later," Tony said instead. "Come on, boys and girls, we've got a scene to process."
McGee followed him to the elevator frowning deeply. "Tony, don't you think it's odd for Gibbs to disappear like this? I mean, he's gone off the radar before and it's never been a good thing."
"Yeah, McGee, it's pretty strange, but what do you want me to do? How do you think he would like it if we traced his cell and showed up wherever he is right now uninvited? If he had wanted us to go with him he would've said something." Tony pushed the button for the bullpen forcefully.
"I still don't like it," McGee countered petulantly.
"I don't like it either, McWorryWart, but I can't do a damn thing about it right now. So let's focus on what we can do, like work this case so when he gets back he won't kick our asses."
Striding out of the elevator to collect his badge and gun, Tony couldn't completely erase the feeling of dread that had settled into his stomach, effectively eliminating his earlier euphoria. He knew McGee was right, something bad was coming, he just didn't know what.
NCISNCISNCIS
By the time Gibbs arrived at his destination, the sun was setting on the horizon. He walked down the sidewalk toward the house, trying to understand why so many of his kind insisted on living the façade known to the general public. The house he was approaching was imposing and gothic, with turrets and columns adding to the daunting structure. All they needed to include were some damn gargoyles. It made him want to laugh out loud. Abby would love this.
The house was located in a well-to-do area of northern Virginia. It stank of old money and good breeding, both of which were easy to acquire over the course of time and with the skills these individuals possessed. Gibbs could've accumulated the type of wealth and power that were important to so many others, but he saw no point in it. He had never wanted more than a simple life, filled with hard work and doing something that made him believe his existence mattered. The rest of it-it was nothing he had ever asked for.
If given the choice, he would have never wanted this way of surviving. To live a good decent life and die in his bed with his family around him, that would have been more than enough. But his life hadn't worked out that way, and if it had he would've passed on so long ago not even the dust of his bones would remain.
Do you want this? You must say yes, or it cannot happen. If you refuse, your body will succumb and your life will end. Tell me, Leroy, do you want this?
He opened his eyes, forcing the memory away. How many times had he replayed the scene over in his mind, and asked himself why he didn't just say no? It was a moment of weakness and he would spend eternity paying for it.
Thinking about the bite on Tony's wrist, anger surged through his veins again. He found himself standing in front of an imposing oak door; he didn't knock, since there was no way his approach hadn't been noted. When the door opened, an exotic dark-haired woman smiled at him. "We've been expecting you, Leroy. Won't you come in?"
Gibbs didn't move. "Am I given permission to enter your home?" he asked formally. There was a great deal of legend that wasn't correct, but one point that held true was he needed to be invited into the homes of their kind. If permission wasn't granted, or if it was revoked, entering was physically impossible. Some vampires with enough strength even had their grounds protected, but this house was more than likely a temporary residence and hadn't been given that much attention.
In his foolish youth he had tested the rule and remembered well the seizure-like reaction that occurred from crossing a vampire threshold uninvited. He didn't want to deal with that problem today.
"You have my permission and invitation," the beautiful vampire said graciously, a lilt in her voice as she stepped to the side and allowed him to enter. "I am Maria—Adrian's Mate. He said you would arrive before the end of the day. Your nephew knows you well."
Gibbs ignored her reminder of Adrian's relationship to him; yes, the younger vampire was his only brother's grandson, but he had stopped being family long, long ago. "Where are they? I want to see Gabriel and Adrian now."
"You have always been impatient, Leroy." Adrian stepped lightly down the curving staircase that was the center of the grand foyer. "About some matters, that is. In regards to others, you refuse to do anything more than wait." He walked across the marble floor to stand next to Maria, placing a hand on the small of her back. "We are tired of being patient with you where those issues are concerned."
"What kind of game is this? Killing innocent civilians? Drinking from my field agents? All of it just to incite me? I would think after all these years you would've found something better to do."
"Fathers and sons, Gibbs—I thought the message would be well taken. It's far past time for you to be a Father, Leroy, even the Conclave thinks so, which is why they've been so lenient with our actions to draw you out. You might not have seen fit to turn me, Uncle, but it doesn't mean you can prolong the choice forever. And DiNozzo—we're both aware he's much more than just a federal agent."
Gibbs made a guttural sound low in his throat. The Conclave. Twelve ancient vampires who had garnered enough respect and power to lay down laws for the rest of them. In order to ensure survival of the species, they had ordained it mandatory that all first-borns like himself pass on their blood to another-an act which, until now, Gibbs had avoided. Without an heir, he also wasn't allowed to be formally challenged by any other vampires to fight out their differences in a custom as old as time itself. It was considered too dangerous since without a Child, if he died his blood died with him. For centuries Gabriel had been pushing Gibbs to secure his bloodline for no other reason but to allow the opportunity to finally challenge him officially and without the possibility of repercussions. It seemed the Conclave and Gabriel had teamed up to tighten the noose and force his hand. They knew he wouldn't allow innocent bystanders to be swept up in his problems.
That didn't mean Gibbs was about to back down. "You had no right to touch Tony. You know that."
Adrian laughed. "I know no such thing. He does not belong to you, as Maria belongs to me or as I belong to Gabriel, or even as you belong to your Maker. There are none who belong to you and that is the problem. You are required to share your bloodline, regardless of the moral issues you have so often bored me with. Despite your reluctance there are obligations to our kind that must be fulfilled. DiNozzo's special attributes make him the perfect candidate and yet you ignore him, just as you did me."
"That's why you've provoked me? Because of my obligations? I don't think so, Adrian. Your reasons go much deeper than that."
An insincere smile graced Adrian's lips. "I will admit both Gabriel and I have long wanted to put an end to our disagreements with you. Of course, until your bloodline is shared that is not ordained by the Conclave. If I did not know better, I would think you are a coward, and refuse to sire another only to protect your own life." He moved closer to Gibbs. "Am I wrong?"
"The reasons I hold for not creating another are my own. They don't concern you anymore, you made sure of that. Just like Tony doesn't concern you. Stay away from him."
"Or what? You'll kill me? That is the least of my worries. The actions we have taken are designed to make you choose-establish your lineage or there will be consequences. If not, the options will no longer be yours."
"No one makes that decision for me." The glare Gibbs gave him was beyond glacial.
Adrian and Maria both laughed. "By doing nothing you did make the decision, Leroy, and you know it. Stop interrupting and tone down the eyes; that might work with your humans but it gets you nothing here. You either turn DiNozzo and accept Gabriel's challenge to fight or Gabriel is going to take the boy as his own property, just as he planned before you got involved." He paused. "I think Tony would make a wonderful blood-slave. I, of course, have never had one since so few with the quality of Anthony's blood exist, but after tasting your bellus last night…..I could imagine drinking from him for eternity. So sweet and decadent. Could you live out the remainder of time knowing you had resigned him to that purgatory? I'm sure your guilt would be sublime."
Gibbs eyes threw off sparks; he couldn't stop them-he didn't want to imagine what Adrian and his Maker would do to Tony if they ever got their hands on him. "Where is Gabriel? He's the one I need to discuss this with, not a worthless cur like you."
Adrian stiffened at the insult. "Unfortunately, Gabriel is not here. He will meet with you another time. Of course, he has authorized me to speak in his stead."
"What is your plan? Continue killing until I do what you want? You know me better than that."
"I told Gabriel you wouldn't give in so easily; he pointed out the President has a son. A ten year old, I think," the dark eyes assessed Gibbs' reaction. "I say that isn't necessary and we just keep hounding DiNozzo, since he's obviously your weak spot. Gabriel insists we continue with both lines of attack; he likes to be thorough."
In a flurry of movement, Gibbs flew at Adrian and shoved him against the wall. His knife was in his hand, and he held it close to Adrian's jugular vein. "I should kill you now and put an end to this once and for all," he threatened softly.
Several others entered the foyer, all armed with knives and swords. Snarling, growling, and the smacking of lips echoed throughout the open room. Gibbs could sense their presence behind him, but ignored the small throng. Maria waved them back. Adrian continued to breathe calmly, betraying only the slightest hint of fear as Gibbs pressed his knife into the tender flesh of Adrian's neck. A tiny drop of blood appeared, the acrid; bitter smell of it burnt Gibbs' nose and sent a shudder through the anxious group circling them.
Adrian's black eyes met Gibbs' blue. "You should consider your next decision carefully, Leroy. You could slice open my jugular, remove my head, and yes, you would be done with me. Then you would be hunted down and the favor would be returned to you. And once you are dead, who will protect your little family then? Who will watch out for Dr. Mallard and the others? How long will it be until someone takes your precious Abby for their own? I can assure you that within moments of my death Maria will be at DiNozzo's side ready to drain him dry. Is that what you want? Really?"
Gibbs clutched the knife and reviewed his options. He wanted nothing more than to drive the blade deep into Adrian's vein and watch his blood flow into the floor. But the man was right; killing him would open up a war Gibbs didn't have the players to fight. He couldn't take a chance on endangering those few people he cared about. It was too dangerous.
For now.
Gibbs removed the knife and stepped back. "This isn't over. If you attack Tony again I won't think twice about killing you and your Mate." He nodded toward Maria before throwing open the door and walking out. Maria followed him, standing in the open entryway where she whispered, "I rescind my invitation into this house." With a knowing glance at Adrian, she silently shut the door.
Halfway down the expansive lawn Gibbs started to jog. Within seconds, he was moving so fast his image was nothing more than a blur. Minutes later, even the blur was gone.
NCISNCISNCIS
"Ducky, I don't think having me stay at your place is necessary. Really, I'm fine. I've worked all day long and had absolutely no more problems. Why don't you just drop me by my apartment and check on me again in the morning? I promise to eat something and go straight to bed."
Tony had tried every maneuver he could think of to avoid going home with the ME, but the diminutive physician refused to listen to him. Ducky didn't insist on pulling rank very often, and Tony couldn't hurt the older man's feelings by outright disobeying his request to stay at his place tonight. Of course, Ducky was just the medical examiner and he was the senior field agent, and there was technically no reason why he should have to do anything Ducky said. But this was Ducky and Tony couldn't figure out a way to tell him no.
"I'm sorry, Anthony, I realize you find this inconvenient, but I promised Gibbs to keep an eye on you until he returned and that is what I intend to do. Just be glad you won't have to groom any dogs while you're staying over."
Tony tilted his head and smiled. "I really liked your mother, Ducky; I would have been happy to dog sit for her again if I could."
The ME's eyes twinkled gratefully. "Yes, she was one of a kind. But she has found a peace that many of us only long for."
The dim light in the car didn't allow Tony to get a good look at his friend, but he could hear the wistfulness in his voice. "What do you mean, Ducky?"
"Oh, nothing. Just the musings of an old man, my boy." He coughed and then changed the subject. "I daresay Gibbs will be pleased that we were able to resolve our case in the time he's been gone. It's unfortunate that our marine committed suicide, but it made the case quite simple to close."
"Gibbs will be thrilled. Where exactly did you say he went?"
Ducky laughed. "Oh no, you aren't going to trick me that easily. I didn't say where he went, but I'm sure he'll be back soon. No worries."
Tony stared out the window and tried to take the doctor's advice, but it wasn't working. His gut had been in overdrive all day, warning him that something was about to go down. He had a feeling that Ducky and Gibbs were sitting on a secret that was going to rip them all apart. The fact the two men were old friends was well known, but now that Tony considered it, neither had spoken specifically of what had brought them together. He suspected there was something much deeper than the rambling stories and long-winded tales Ducky was always so eager to share.
"Ducky, how did you and Gibbs meet?" He turned his head toward the Scot so he could observe the man's reaction.
The older man startled a little before regaining his composure. "What? Oh my, Tony, that is certainly not a story we have time for tonight. Goodness, no. We'll have to save that conversation for another evening." He smiled gently at Tony, and there was something odd about his expression Tony couldn't quite identify. Was it sympathy or fear? "We're here," Ducky added, pulling into the driveway, putting an end to the discussion.
Tony grabbed his duffel bag and headed into the house. He made it a habit to keep a change of clothes and some toiletries packed in his trunk, since when you worked for Gibbs going home wasn't always an option. He smiled happily when they entered Ducky's home; something about the place always warmed Tony up from the inside out.
"I thought you were planning to sell your house and get a condo," Tony commented, taking in the Victorian decor.
Ducky was turning on lights and starting a fire. "Yes, that was my plan. But the housing market hasn't been the best lately and, to be honest, I've found it more difficult to part with the place than I had imagined." He scanned the cozy living room fondly. "I have many good memories here."
Tony wondered if Ducky was lonely; maybe that was part of the reason he had insisted on bringing Tony home with him. If that was the case, Tony was glad he could provide the ME with some company.
"I'll show you to your room where you can shower and change clothes if you'd like. While you're freshening up, I'll make us a bite of dinner."
"Thanks, Ducky," Tony agreed, heading upstairs. Even though he had felt great for most of the day, he was starting to wear down and he could feel the beginning of a small headache. His wrist was itching, too. In the shower, he peeled back the dressing to get another look at the scratch.
Staring at the wound, he wondered if it was infected. The bruising hadn't faded at all; dark purple, black, and blue swirled together like a messed up Monet. He had to admit that Ziva was correct; the red marks did look like a bite. He could make out the indention of teeth, with two deep puncture wounds on each side that were sore and inflamed. As he put his wrist under the water to allow the spray to clean off the area, he flinched and withdrew his arm. The beads of water hurt so much they made his entire forearm throb. The painful pulsing matched that on his inner thigh, and a quick examination there revealed a very similar mark. He chewed his lip and wondered if he should have Ducky take another look, but disregarded that idea. The bruises would eventually fade on their own.
He finished washing using only his right arm and hand, then clumsily dried off and pulled on sweats and a t-shirt. Looking at his socks, he decided not to bother trying to tug them over his feet. Toweling off his hair into unruly spikes, he even gave up on using a comb, since it was only him and Ducky and he could take another shower in the morning before work.
Cradling his aching wrist against his chest, Tony gingerly trotted downstairs to find Ducky in the kitchen with two bowls of soup and some sandwiches. "Not a gourmet meal, but it is homemade from one of mother's recipes. None of that canned rubbish here!"
"It smells great, Ducky," Tony offered, meaning every word. He carefully slid into a chair, groaning when his arm hit the side of the table.
The ME was at his side instantly. "Let me have another look at that, Anthony. I'm sorry I didn't have time today to examine it again."
"It's ok, Duck. It didn't start bothering me until a little while ago."
The doctor clucked at the wound, clearly unhappy with its appearance. He disappeared for a few minutes, returning with his medical bag. He pulled out a tube of ointment which he gingerly applied to the scabbing cuts. Even his careful ministrations caused the area to pulse and ache. Quickly, the ME added a fresh dressing.
"There," he announced when he was finished. "And since we are eating, I would like for you to take a few of these." He handed Tony several pills.
Tony shook his head. "Ducky, you know I don't like to take painkillers."
"Anthony, I watched the way you winced the entire time I was tending to your arm. You cannot truthfully tell me it doesn't hurt."
DiNozzo didn't respond immediately. "It hurts a little," he said in his best little boy voice.
Ducky snorted. "Which for you means a lot. No wonder Jethro wanted me to keep up with you tonight. Now take the medication and stop complaining."
Reluctantly, Tony did as instructed. He didn't want to admit it, but his arm was hurting worse than a bad toothache, not to mention the additional pain in his thigh, so he was somewhat grateful Ducky had insisted on the pills. After eating most of his soup and part of the sandwich, Tony could feel the drowsiness that always accompanied painkillers.
"I think I'm going to go on to bed, Ducky. I'm pretty sleepy."
"Yes, my boy, I can see that. A good night's rest will do you a world of good. Don't worry about keeping me company. Off to bed with you!"
Tony nodded and made his way back to the guest room, smiling. Spending the night with Ducky was almost as good as staying with Gibbs; the older man doted on him like a favorite uncle. Within minutes of sliding between the crisp covers, he was in a deep and peaceful sleep.
NCISNCISNCIS
"Tony."
"Wake up, Tony, and let me in."
"Tonnnyyy….."
"I'm waiting for you."
The voice was soft, sultry, and seductive. He didn't know how long she called his name before he became alert enough to acknowledge the sound.
He could hear her quietly tapping on the front door.
DiNozzo sat up and rubbed his eyes before tossing back the blankets and slipping out of the warm bed. His bare feet made hardly any sound as he padded along the hallway and down the stairs.
"Hurry, Tony. I need to see you."
"I've waited so long."
"Open the door and invite me in."
Ducky had fallen asleep in a chair by the fire; his glasses were precariously perched on the end of his nose and a book was open on his lap. Tony glanced at him as he walked past the living room to the front door. Before he could wonder if this was actually happening, she knocked again.
"I want you so bad, Tony. Let me see you."
His hand reached for the knob and he opened the door without thinking.
The woman was breathtakingly beautiful. She had long red hair, doe-shaped brown eyes, and a luscious pink mouth. The fact she was naked didn't even register.
She held her hand out toward him.
"Do you want me to come in, Tony?"
"I want you to come in," he responded thickly. This is one damn good dream.
The woman sighed and stepped through the doorway. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her cold flesh against his body. Her lips descended on his, her tongue pushing his mouth open and exploring inside. He could feel her breasts through the thin material of his Ohio State t-shirt. She nibbled at his lips before biting down, warm metallic blood flowing from the cut.
"You taste just as sweet as I hoped you would, Tony," she whispered, shoving him back against the wall. "And you smell so wonderful."
Tony couldn't move; all free will left his body. He wanted to scream, to shove her off him, but his limbs had turned to stone. All he could do was stand there, feeling her rub against him seductively, and take it. She tilted his head to the side and exposed his long, muscular neck.
"So beautiful. I can't wait to feel your warmth inside me."
Licking the spot where his collarbone met his neck, she sighed and then he felt the sharp pain of his skin being punctured.
"You're so good, Tony. So, so good."
He experienced the same combination of pleasure and pain from the night in the park. Somewhere in his dazed mind he knew this was wrong, that he had to get her off him, but she was unrelenting when he tried to push her away. He could hear her suckling, feel her lips pressed against his sensitized skin, smell his blood as it spilled from her mouth.
It was agony and ecstasy rolled into one. There was a groaning sound and he thought it must be him.
And then there was more pain, as the teeth that were embedded in his neck were wrenched free while her head was snapped back away from him.
Tony's eyes grew wide when he saw Dr. Donald Mallard with his hand wrapped in the woman's long red curls as she spit and screamed to be let go. The ME's lips were pulled back in a grimace, revealing his own white teeth and two viciously sharp fangs. He growled and shook the woman, ordering her to stop moving.
Another, more aggressive snarl erupted from the shadows. Nothing in his life had prepared Tony to look over the small man's shoulder to see Leroy Jethro Gibbs standing behind him-lips stretched wide exposing impossibly long pointed fangs. His boss put his hand out and took the woman by the scruff of the neck, held her aloft, and tossed her across the room like she weighed nothing at all. He then turned his pale blue gaze onto Tony, sniffed the air and licked his lips, and growled at his senior field agent, who was keenly aware of the sticky blood that was seeping from his neck and soaking through his shirt.
Tony thought for a moment he might pass out, but he managed to stay on his feet. He forced himself to meet the steely stare he had known for years, the eyes of the man who was a mentor, a father, a brother, a friend—who honestly meant more to him than anyone else in the world-and asked in a small, almost timid, voice, "What are you?"
Instantly, the man in front of him was Gibbs again. The teeth were normal, his eyes were fine, and the growling stopped. Profound sadness swept over his face, and his tone was filled with tired resignation. "Tony, what do you think I am?"
The word instantly registered in Tony's mind, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. It was his bete noire come to life and staring him in the face, real as day.
Vampire.